Women’s Representation in Michigan Parity Ranking: 8th of 50 Levels of Government Score of 27: Ten points for former Governor Jennifer Granholm, 3 for the secretary of state, 8 Statewide Executives points for U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s two most Female governors: Jennifer Granholm (2003- recent elections, 1 points for its single woman House member, 4 points for its percentage of 2011) state legislators who are women, and 1 point for Current female statewide elected executives: 1 of senate president pro tempore. 4 (secretary of state) Quick Fact Number of women to have held statewide elected In 2002, Michigan elected its third foreign-born executive office: 7, one of whom was appointed governor and its first woman governor, Jennifer Congress Granholm (D). Originally from Canada, Granholm became a naturalized American U.S. Senate: 1 of 2 seats held by women, Debbie citizen at the age of 21. She served two terms. Stabenow (2001-present) Trending U.S. House: 1 of 14 seats held by women In recent years, the Michigan state legislature In its history, Michigan has elected 7 women to has experienced large fluctuations in the the U.S. House, one of whom was also elected to percentage of seats held by women. Between the U.S. Senate. 2008 and 2009, it increased 5.4 points, but has State Legislature since decreased by 6.1 to 18.9%. Percentage women: 18.9% Rankings: 36th of 50 % Michigan Legislature Women Senate: 4 of 38 (10.5%) are women 30% 25% House: 24 of 110 (21.8%) are women 20% 15% Method of election: single-member districts 10% MI Local 5% USA 0% None of Michigan’s five largest cities and counties with elected executives has a woman mayor or county executive. Source: Center for American Women and Politics, Rutgers University. Words of Wisdom “I think it’s important for women to serve, whether it’s leadership in their community or political office – women have to be at the table. It’s [an] important call, but it’s not easy. Because it’s hard, because times are ugly. My perspective as former Governor is that the most impactful people in the Legislature, and the people who really got stuff done, were women. Women are workhorses, not show horses and our nation needs really good public service at this time.”– Jennifer Granholm, former governor of Michigan State legislative data and historical information at all levels from the Center for American Women and Politics, Rutgers University. Representation2020.com Training, Recruiting, and Funding Elections to Watch Women Candidates in Michigan Senator Carl Levin will not seek re-election, creating an opportunity for Michigan to join a Michigan is home to at least two non-partisan handful of states with two female U.S. Senators. organizations dedicated to promoting women’s Republicans may nominate former Secretary of leadership in politics. State Terri Lynn Land, but Rep. Gary Peters is the frontrunner to win both the Democratic nomination and the seat. Gov. Rick Snyder (R) is vulnerable, and Democrats are likely to nominate a man to challenge him, but other statewide executive offices may create opportunities for women candidates. Ready to Run Michigan is an organization promoting education about women and gender. Candice Miller (R), the only woman in Its training program curriculum includes such Michigan’s House delegation, is likely safe in topics as fundraising, media training, and 2014. Nearly all male incumbents are safe, but developing a campaign plan. Gary Peters’ U.S. House seat will be open, and several other Republican seats may be as well. The Women Officials Network offers two workshops biennially encouraging women to run for public office. In addition, they partner with organizations like the League of Women Voters and the Michigan Women’s Commission to provide additional workshops and networking opportunities. .